Cuba: The arrival of international travelers has generated an increase in imported cases of COVID-19 and their contacts with other people, representing 71.5% of the total cases detected in recent weeks; The vast majority are associated with Cuban citizens from the United States, Mexico, Panama, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Bahamas, among others.
Taking into account these elements, the current national, regional and international epidemiological situation and the need to take a group of measures that make it possible to reduce COVID-19 cases in the country, it has been decided to reduce the entry of travelers from the United States, Mexico, Panama, Bahamas, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as of January 1, 2021, for which the Cuban Civil Aviation authorities readjust the necessary details with the airlines. As soon as the epidemiological situation allows, the frequency of flights will be gradually restored.
In turn, and as has already been reported, it has been decided to establish as a mandatory requirement for entry to our country of all international travelers, the performance of a PCR test with a negative result for COVID-19, 72 hours in advance of started the trip. This measure will take effect from January 10, 2021.
Upon arrival in Cuba, the currently established health protocols will continue to be implemented; which include carrying out a new PCR test at the border and, in the case of international travelers who do not arrive as tourists, another PCR test five days after their arrival.
Accommodation capacities will be ensured for Cuban travelers residing in the country, who do not have conditions in their home or that of their relatives to fulfill home isolation.
Likewise, the capacities for isolation in hotels destined for this purpose will be guaranteed for Cuban travelers residing abroad or others, who decide to carry out their isolation in these facilities, assuming the payment of this service.
As part of the confrontation with this Pandemic, and having as a fundamental premise the duty to guarantee the health of our population and the international travelers who visit us, the Cuban Health authorities will continue to rigorously apply the established sanitary protocols, while maintaining a systematic and detailed monitoring of the incidence of imported cases in the transmission of the disease.
photo caption: New measures to be implemented by Covid-19 associated with international travelers. Photo: Minsap.